​Artificial intelligence is changing how biotech teams operate—and how careers are built.

​This session of Career Catalyst explores the practical impact of AI across the biotech industry and what professionals need to know to stay relevant, competitive, and in demand in 2026.

​Through a guided, interactive discussion, we’ll explore how professionals are currently using AI in their roles, where adoption is creating real value, and how expectations for skills, productivity, and career growth are evolving. The session will also address common questions around AI certifications, tool selection, and how to approach AI as a career accelerator rather than a threat.

​Rather than focusing on hype or highly technical use cases, this session is designed to help attendees make informed decisions about where to invest their time, skills, and energy as AI becomes embedded across R&D, clinical operations, regulatory, commercialization, and internal workflows.

​You’ll walk away with:

• ​A clear view of how AI is actually being used across biotech functions

• ​Insight into which roles and skills are evolving fastest—and where new opportunities are emerging

• ​Practical guidance on how to upskill and adapt without a technical background

• ​Real examples of how teams are integrating AI into daily work

• ​Actionable takeaways to help you future-proof your career in an AI-driven industry

​About the Expert

​Deepa Kumar is a dynamic Life Sciences professional with over 20 years of experience. Deepa is a Transformation Coach specializing in empowering professional women to achieve authentic, impactful lives. Through personalized coaching, she helps her clients overcome limiting beliefs, balance priorities, and embrace meaningful growth. Deepa also holds the role of Solutions Consultant at OpenText where she excels at harmonizing disconnected information systems, leveraging AI to unlock actionable insights helping clients ultimately deliver life-saving products to patients. Deepa is deeply committed to making a difference—whether by solving complex challenges in life sciences, coaching individuals to reach their potential, or driving transformation at the organizational level.

​LinkedIn | Website

​About the Host

​Crystal Richards

​Crystal is the host of this program and the lead of Career Navigation Track for this program.

​She is lead trainer and owner of MindsparQ, is a project management educator with more than 20 years of experience. She has trained over 2,500 professionals in project management and agile practices.

​Crystal holds the PMP®, PMI-ACP®, and CSM® certifications and has guided many learners in earning credentials such as PMP®, CAPM®, and PMI-ACP®. She also serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland, College Park, where her self-paced course was named the Best University-level PMP Exam Prep course by Classcentral.com. She is also the author of PMP Exam Prep for Dummies, which sold more than 1,100 copies in its first week.

​LinkedIn | Website

​About the Program

​Career Catalyst

​Career Catalyst is BioBuzz’s flagship weekly virtual series connecting life sciences professionals with experts and actionable insights. The program runs every Tuesday @ 12 PM EST for approximately 45 minutes:

• ​20-minute expert presentation

• ​25-minute live, open Q&A

​Sessions rotate through four thematic tracks with new experts each week, ensuring content stays relevant for life sciences professionals at every career stage. Each track is community-led and hosted by our Career Community Ambassadors.

​Tracks include:

​➡️ Career Navigation — Networking, skill-building, and strategies to advance your career across all life sciences disciplines. Hosted by Crystal Richards, Principal & Owner, MindsparQ.

​➡️ Focus: Emerging — Deep dives on trends, innovations, and opportunities shaping the life sciences ecosystem and their relevance to your professional growth. Hosted by Jake Rodriguez, Marketing Director, Triangle Biotech Tuesday.

​➡️ Biomanufacturing — Insights into the backbone of biotech success, shaping the industry and your career. Hosted by Paris McKenzie, Manufacturing Technician, Longeviti Neuro Solutions.

​➡️ CQV & Validation — Insights into compliance, quality systems, and operational standards that underpin high-performing life sciences organizations and support your professional growth. Hosted by Kayla Britt, Founder & Principal Consultant, Britt Biocomputing.

​Sponsors

​Bio-Trac​

​With over 30 years of expertise, Bio-Trac® workshops have trained more than 17,000 scientists and engaged 300 scientist instructors. Designed by active researchers and open to the scientific community, these workshops equip bench and research scientists with the latest lab techniques and provide training on cutting-edge biotechnology advancements to a global audience across all biotech sectors.

​LinkedIn | Website

​Workforce Genetics

​Workforce Genetics (WGx) is a premier recruiting firm serving the life sciences, MedTech, and healthcare sectors, supporting companies from startup to commercial. The firm delivers transformative talent strategies through retained and executive search, contingent search, and outsourced talent acquisition.

​LinkedIn | Website

​​Important Information

​BioBuzz's Career Catalyst sessions are intended to provide insights, guidance, and support for professionals navigating their careers. These sessions are not a platform for selling services, recruitment pitches, or business solicitations. They are designed for job seekers and those looking to make connections and build community.

​Please be respectful of fellow participants and help ensure this remains a valuable, trusted resource for all.

​Participants who engage in solicitation, promotional activity, or behavior that disrupts the intent of the session will be asked to leave.

​Repeated or serious violations may result in removal from the session and exclusion from future Career Catalyst events.

​Want to be an expert guest?

​If you’re interested in sharing your knowledge with the BioBuzz community, get in touch via hello [@] biobuzz.io.